BLOOMINGTON– The City of Bloomington is seeking volunteers for the Snow Buddies Program, an initiative designed to assist residents who are unable to clear snow from sidewalks and walkways due to disability or age. The program, organized by the Council for Community Accessibility (CCA), connects volunteers with residents who need help maintaining safe and accessible pathways during winter.
Volunteers commit to assisting one resident—often a nearby neighbor—by removing snow from public sidewalks and walkways within 24 hours of a snowfall. The program also includes opportunities for Superhero Snow Buddies, who assist multiple residents or fill in when other volunteers are unavailable.
Individuals interested in volunteering for the Snow Buddies Program can sign up through the Bloomington Volunteer Network or the City’s Snow Buddies Program page. Residents who need assistance can also apply through the program.
Assistance is dependent on volunteer availability and proximity to applicants. The City encourages residents to consider volunteering, as the program currently receives more requests for help than volunteer applications. Information about signing up to receive help is outlined in the Snow Buddies Program Guidelines.
“Ensuring accessibility and safety during and after severe weather events is a top priority for the City of Bloomington, and the kindness of our community remains one of its most cherished qualities,” says Michael Shermis, Council for Community Accessibility Staff Liaison, Community and Family Resources Department. “Recent snowstorms have provided a great opportunity for residents to come together to support one another and keep our sidewalks clear and accessible for everyone.”
City ordinance requires businesses and property owners in Bloomington to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalks adjacent to their properties. This requirement is in place to ensure that sidewalks remain safe and accessible for all residents.
Citations for snow-covered sidewalks are not issued until 24 hours after the end of the last precipitation, allowing property owners sufficient time to comply. However, the City emphasizes the importance of timely snow removal to reduce safety risks and maintain accessibility for pedestrians, including those who rely on sidewalks for essential travel.
The CCA thanks volunteers for their generosity and willingness to commit their time and energy to making Bloomington safer and more convenient for our neighbors!
For more information or to inquire about the program, contact the CCA at cca@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3478.
